Find a comfortable position and gently close your eyes. Notice how your feet connect with the floor. Take a deep breath in and out. Again. And again. Slow down your breath a little bit. Relax your arms and shoulders. Put your one hand on your stomach and another on your chest. Feel your breath on a physical level, feel how your body expands in all directions taking more space, feel the freedom of that expansion, feel every sensation of your breath. Now put your one hand on your forehead – right or left does not matter, feel how your mind quiets down, your thoughts slow down, allowing you to come into a peaceful calm state…. Take few more deep breaths and when you are ready, gently open your eyes…
In this few moments you moved into alpha or even theta or delta state.
So what is it – alpha, beta, gamma, theta?
Communication of neurons. Our brains are constantly working and our brain cells, called neurons, constantly communicate with each other, producing rhythms called brain waves. Brain waves are patterns of electrical activity occurring in the brain. They are crucial to all aspects of brain functioning: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The pattern of brain waves changes depending on the state we are in.
Balance of brain activity. Brain activity is generally characterized by a combination of brain waves. Depending on what we are doing at the time, a particular brain wave will be dominant over the others. For example, when we feel fatigued, slower brainwaves are likely dominant at that time. The balance of brain waves is important: when they are not balanced properly, we may experience both emotional and neuro-physical health concerns.
Brain waves discovery. Brain waves were discovered by German neurologist Hans Berger in the mid-1920s. Though Berger’s path to this discovery began because he wanted to record what he thought was psychic energy in the brain, he eventually successfully made the first recording of electrical waves in the brain: an electroencephalogram. Since his discovery, encephalograms have been used to provide useful information about one’s mental state and functioning, helping diagnose mental and psychiatric disorders and other issues related to brain functioning.
Waves Our states of consciousness are defined by the bands measured in Hz or cycles per second, and range from 0.5 -200 Hz. When we are awake and alert, our brain is more active. This results in fast brain waves. If we are sleepy or bored, they may be slower.
There are 7 different types of brain waves, ranging from low to high frequency: Epsilon, Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Lambda.
Beta waves are the most common pattern in the normal waking state. They occur when we are alert and focused on problem solving. Right now, as you are reading this, you are wide awake and your brain is more likely producing more Beta brainwaves than any other type. So you could be said to be in Beta state.
Alpha waves occur during quiet, thoughtful times, and are associated with mental coordination, learning, and mind-body integration. Meditation, taking a break from work, or taking a walk are all activities thought to promote production of alpha waves. This is our state in yoga class.
Theta waves occur in sleep and during relaxation. They are also indication of a flow state, flow of ideas, creativity. This state can happen when we are doing repetitive activities like running, chanting, drumming, even long distance driving.
Delta brain waves are the slowest brain waves, also have the highest amplitude. Our brains produce delta waves when we are completely relaxed in deep sleep. Delta waves are essential for our bodies to heal and restore during sleep.
Gamma brain waves are the fastest and are associated with higher levels of consciousness, shamanic and mystical experiences, high levels of thought and focus.
Less common brain waves are Epsilon (.25-.5): extraordinary states of consciousness, right and left hemispheres of the brain synchronize producing clarity or Aha moments. Lambda (200 Hz): ecstatic states of consciousness
We naturally shift into and out of these brain waves and states of awareness throughout a 24-hour period. Each brain wave state is important for the benefits it offers. Awareness of which state we are in can enhance our ability to create shifts. Learning to identify behaviors of each brain wave state and tuning into our “felt sense” or body consciousness will enable us to shift to a more relaxed state when feeling tense or stressed, or to more alert or creative state when needed.
Gently close your eyes. Relax your arms, your shoulders. Take a deep breath in and out. Notice your mind calming down, your thoughts slowing down. Notice how you are moving from beta to alpha, or even theta state. Notice how you are riding your waves, feeling the flow of your breath – in and out.
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